Gemprint® is the world’s most sophisticated, non-invasive, positive
diamond identification technology. It records the unique optical "fingerprint"
of each diamond. Just like a human fingerprint, every diamond has a
unique Gemprint®. Invented in 1976, this patented and proven technology
has been used by the FBI and the Canadian Government. When
a diamond is Gemprinted®, the
owner receives a certificate containing the diamond's unique
"fingerprint". The diamond is then registered in the international
Gemprint® database together
with an electronic image of the diamond's Gemprint®.
This Gemprint® can then be
used to positively identify the diamond in the event that it is stolen,
lost or even accidentally switched with another diamond while jewelry is
being repaired.

How does Gemprint® work?

A diamond is placed into a Gemprint® machine where a laser beam is
directed through the table (the top) of the diamond. The laser beam is
then dispersed by the diamond and reflected back out of the stone. The
dispersal pattern formed by the laser light coming out of the diamond is
unique to that specific diamond. The Gemprint® is an image of that
dispersal pattern.

In the picture above you can see a diamond in it's holder at the
bottom right. The pattern of red dots formed by dispersion of the laser
beam is the Gemprint® image. See Gemprint® in action in the YouTube
video below:

How is a diamond matched
to it's Gemprint®?

Assume that your diamond was stolen and the police recovered a
diamond that you think may be yours. The recovered diamond can be
Gemprinted® and it's Gemprint® compared to the Gemprint® of your
diamond. This is done on a computer using very specialized matching
software. The two Gemprints® are superimposed and rotated until the
computer determines the best fit between the two images. It then marks
the matching points. In the images below The green pattern is the
Gemprint® of one diamond and the red pattern is the Gemprint® of another
diamond. The sample on the left shows only a 7% match between two
diamonds and the one on the right is only a 3% match. Just like in
fingerprint matching, positive identification requires a high percentage
match. Neither of these two comparisons indicates a match.

No Match

The images below are an example of a matching Gemprint® pattern of
the same diamond. The computer rotates the two patterns (red and green)
to find the most accurate alignment, and then marks the matching points
(image on right). This is a 99% match.

Match

What does a Gemprint®
certificate look like?

The image below is a sample Gemprint® certificate with identifying
information obscured.

What are the benefits to the
diamond Owner?

The main benefits of having your diamond Gemprinted® are as
follows:

Investment Protection
- If your diamond is ever lost or stolen, notify Gemprint®
immediately. Your diamond will be flagged in the Gemprint® database
helping to speed recovery.

Identification
– Stolen jewelry is often recovered by the police. With a Gemprint®
you have a way to positively identify your diamond, even if removed
from its setting.

Insurance Discount
- Gemprint® is recognized by most insurance companies as a safeguard
for diamonds. Many insurance companies offer a 10% discount if your
diamond is registered in the Gemprint® International Registry at
Gemprint.com. Some insurance companies even require a Gemprint® for
replacement coverage for high-value diamond jewelry. Click here to see a list of insurance companies that offer
Gemprint® discounts.

I collaborated on a "Law & Order"
TV script that included the use of
Gemprint®. You can see a clip from that episode below: